Same brandWheel Horse 417-8
The Wheel Horse 417-8 is a compact lawn and garden tractor built from 1985 to 1986. It's designed for easy maneuvering with its 2-wheel drive system and manual steering. The tractor measures 65 inches long, 37.8 inches wide, and 41.3 inches tall, making it suitable for working in tight spaces. This model is powered by a Kohler KT17QS engine, which is air-cooled and runs on gasoline. The engine has 2 cylinders and produces 17 horsepower, which is about average for its class. It has a belt-driven gear transmission with 6 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, giving the operator good control over speed. The 417-8 weighs 584 pounds and features lawn/turf tires for gentle operation on grass. It comes with a sleeve hitch for attaching various implements and has a 3-gallon fuel tank for extended use.

Key specifications
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine power
- 17hp
- Operating weight
- 584 lb
- Transmission
- Belt-driven gear
Category comparison
417-8 compared with its category
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
All recorded Lawn and Garden tractors
This model
The 417-8 ranks at the 41st percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Wheel Horse 417-8
The Wheel Horse 417-8 is a compact lawn and garden tractor built from 1985 to 1986. It's designed for easy maneuvering with its 2-wheel drive system and manual steering. The tractor measures 65 inches long, 37.8 inches wide, and 41.3 inches tall, making it suitable for working in tight spaces. This model is powered by a Kohler KT17QS engine, which is air-cooled and runs on gasoline. The engine has 2 cylinders and produces 17 horsepower, which is about average for its class. It has a belt-driven gear transmission with 6 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, giving the operator good control over speed. The 417-8 weighs 584 pounds and features lawn/turf tires for gentle operation on grass. It comes with a sleeve hitch for attaching various implements and has a 3-gallon fuel tank for extended use.
Full specifications
Recorded specifications
General
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|---|
| Model | 417-8 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1985–1986 |
| Operating weight | 584lb(264.9 kg) |
Engine
| Make | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | KT17QS |
| Power | 17hp(12.68 kW) |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 42.2ci(0.69 L) |
| Bore | 3.11in(78.99 mm) |
| Stroke | 2.76in(70.1 mm) |
Transmission
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 6 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Cab | Open |
Dimensions
| Length | 65in(1,651 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 37.8in(960.1 mm) |
| Height | 41.3in(1,049 mm) |
| Operating weight | 584lb(264.9 kg) |
Closest alternatives
417-8 compared with the nearest models by horsepower
Among lawn and garden tractors, the Wheel Horse 257H and the Wheel Horse 417-A are closest to the Wheel Horse 417-8 in rated horsepower. The Wheel Horse 257H matches it on rated power. The Wheel Horse 417-A matches it on rated power at almost the same operating weight, at 37 lb per horsepower against 34 lb.
| Spec | Wheel Horse 417-8 | Wheel Horse 257H | Wheel Horse 417-A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 17 hp12.7 kW | 17 hp12.7 kW | 17 hp12.7 kW |
| Operating weight | 584 lb265 kg | - | 633 lb287 kg |
| Weight per hp | 34 lb/hp21 kg/kW | - | 37 lb/hp23 kg/kW |
| Displacement | 42.2 ci0.69 L | 32.6 ci0.53 L | 42.2 ci0.69 L |
| Cylinders | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Transmission | Belt-driven gear | Belt-driven hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Drive | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Years built | 1985-1986 | 1988-1989 | 1985-1986 |
Calculators
Calculators for the 417-8
PTO power
About 14 to 15 PTO hp
Estimated from the 17 hp engine rating. The calculator also estimates drawbar power by surface.
Implement sizing
Implements a 17 hp tractor can run
The calculator sizes mowers, tillers, discs, plows and balers for this tractor.
Ballast
40 lb per PTO hp as listed
Heavy draft work calls for 130 to 150 lb/hp. The calculator gives the ballast to add.
Units
17 hp is 12.7 kW
The converter gives kW and metric PS values, as used on European spec sheets.
Category medians
417-8 vs. Lawn and Garden median
Wheel Horse 417-8 compared with other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 17 hp | 18 hp | -6% | 41st |
| Engine Displacement | 42.2 ci | 41.1 ci | +3% | 54th |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 584 lb | 738 lb | -21% | 34th |
| Length | 65 in | 71.7 in | -9% | 13th |
| Width | 37.8 in | 43.3 in | -13% | 32nd |
| Height | 41.3 in | 42.9 in | -4% | 28th |
Medians and percentiles are calculated from the lawn and garden tractors in the database that have a recorded value for each specification (sample size 152–380 models).
Same manufacturer
Other Wheel Horse models
Other manufacturers
Models with similar horsepower
Gallery
Wheel Horse 417-8 photos






FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was the Wheel Horse 417-8 in production?
Wheel Horse 417-8 production started in 1985 and ended in 1986.
How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse 417-8 have?
The Wheel Horse 417-8 produces 17 hp from its 2-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 42.2 ci.
How much does the Wheel Horse 417-8 weigh?
The Wheel Horse 417-8 weighs about 584 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the Wheel Horse 417-8?
Transmission on the Wheel Horse 417-8 is Belt-driven gear, with 6 forward speeds.
What maintenance does the Wheel Horse 417-8 require?
The Wheel Horse 417-8 needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.


